Ex-Newsom chief of staff takes plea deal in corruption case

The federal indictment alleged that Williamson took the funds from Becerra's campaign and gave them to his chief of staff.

By Ben Whedon

Published: May 14, 2026 1:04pm

Gov. Gavin Newsom's., D-Calif., former chief of staff reached a plea agreement with federal authorities on Thursday in a public corruption case.

Dana Williamson faced 23 counts over her alleged funneling of campaign funds from former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra to one of his aides. The plea agreement saw her plead guilty to three counts, Politico reported.

The federal indictment alleged that Williamson took the funds from Becerra's campaign and gave them to his chief of staff. Prosecutors also alleged other wrongdoings, including lying to investigators.

Becerra is currently running for governor of California and ranks among the top Democratic candidates. He has not been charged or accused of any wrongdoing.

Williamson served as Newsom's chief of staff from January 2023 to December 2024.

The California primary is set for June 2.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.